It's a shame they won't be around long enough to see just how much a hindrance that terrible name would have been: That's right, Test Icicles have already split, after a whirlwind of hype and a just-released debut album, For Screening Purposes Only (Domino). The disc's frantic yelps split the difference between like-minded noisemongers like Liars and straight-up tech-metal. They weren't destined to break through until at least album number three, when they toned down the exciting shrieks… C+
Missing Songs (Warp) isn't nearly as strong as Maxïmo Park's amazing debut, A Certain Trigger, but that's no surprise: This disc collects B-sides and demos by the criminally under-hyped British band, not the A material. Still, there's plenty to love here, like the charming chugger "My Life In Reverse" and the fiery "I Want You To Leave," not to mention demo versions of two of Trigger's finest songs, "Apply Some Pressure" and "Graffiti"… B+
If nothing else, Smoking Popes' At Metro (Victory) proves that Josh Caterer wrote better songs prior to his religious awakening and years with the post-Popes band Duvall. These old songs—which you can look at, listen to, or both on this CD/DVD set—sound as punchy and terrific at this reunion show as they did in the mid-'90s. "Pretty Pathetic" gets an amazing singalong reaction, and Caterer looks almost embarrassingly pleased about it. Whether this reunion will bear worthy fruit in the form of good new songs remains to be seen… B
Fueled by a cute concept that probably should've remained in the idea stage, Future Retro (Warner Bros.) asks mostly no-name modern remixers to punch-up '80s alternative classics. Ever wonder what Depeche Mode's "Shake The Disease" might sound like if it were released today? How about INXS' "Need You Tonight" or New Order's "Bizarre Love Triangle," the latter reorganized by The Crystal Method? The only really strange move is Sparks' re-creation of Morrissey's "Suedehead," and that still does nothing to improve on the original. Like "White Lines" says, "Don't do it!"… C-
Love Joanna Newsom but can't quite stand the squeaking? Caroline may be just the ticket; her debut full-length, Murmurs (Temporary Residence), is warm and magical, wrapping her otherworldly voice around organic clicks and clacks. She occasionally steps dangerously close to the mainstream, only to tiptoe back into a fairy world where Sigur Rós, Björk, and Boards Of Canada meet. B